The more ministry workers and entrepreneurs I work with, the more I confirm that we’re all looking to do the things that energize us. We’re created to contribute, and while it may seem like a fun idea to lay around all day with an empty calendar, humans are too creative for that to last. I’ve learned that because our calendars are overflowing with commitments, many women are looking for ways to align their calling with their careers, even if it means taking a lower salary. This isn’t a surprise. As we age, we often shed the spaces that exhaust us in exchange for those that energize us. This isn’t a case of wanting to “have our cake and eat it too.”
We want to find our dream jobs because when our strengths, passions, gifts, talents, and calling all align, we thrive. Our lives feel fuller vocationally and personally.
Many people change careers throughout their lives. An EdX survey reported in 2018 that most people would have 12 jobs during their lives on average. Additionally, in 2018 32% of those aged 25 to 44 considered a career change. Since starting their first job after college, 29% of people have completely changed fields.
Things have shifted rapidly in the past few years. A recent PwC US Pulse Survey revealed so many workers are shifting jobs that economists have labeled this season “The Great Resignation.” With an influx of resumes, it may be tempting to assume that companies will only review resumes based on qualifications. But the thing is that hiring managers understand some skills can be taught, and others skills are ones someone must develop on their own.
In 2011, a CareerBuilder survey of more than 2,600 U.S. hiring managers and human resources professionals revealed that 71% valued emotional intelligence in an employee over a high IQ. Since then, CEOs and hiring managers have confirmed that employees who engage their “soft skills” in daily interactions at work are their most valuable workers.
Dr. Denise Trudeau-Poskas, Forbes Council Member, explains that soft skills are the 2020’s new hard skills. She reports that companies find that well-developed soft skills are essential to specific jobs and that they are measurable and correlate with success and innovation.
What Are Work-Related Soft Skills?
Soft skills generally include interpersonal skills and attributes such as
- Clear communication
- Willingness to listen
- Team motivator
- Creative thinker
Soft Skills Includes Leadership Behaviors
- Servant leadership
- Morality
- Trustworthy
- Authentic
- Humble
- Compassionate
- High integrity
- Empathy
How Do Soft Skills Help Get You Find Your Dream Job?
Studies reveal over and over people who have high emotional intelligence, empathy, transparency, and humility are also going to be the best employees. Inc.com goes so far as to say that when a hiring manager finds someone with the right combination of soft skills, they should hire them on the spot.
This means that even if you aren’t the most qualified person for a particular position, you can propel yourself to the top of the hiring stack by simply showing people you know how to reflect the fruit of the Spirit.
Of course, simply having soft skills isn’t the only reason someone will be drawn to a resume. Business News Daily highlights six tips to get hired for a job even when you don’t have experience. Those tips include highlighting transferable skills, gaining experience through non-traditional channels, and networking.
Highlight Your Transferable Skills
Highlighting your transferable skills is where reflecting back on your calling resume will be helpful. Think about the lessons you’ve learned at previous jobs that are applicable everywhere. Customer service, organization, and empathy.
Gain Experience Through Non-Traditional Channels
There are many careers these days that don’t require a degree or offer on-the-job training. Whether you take an unpaid internship, take an entry-level position to work your way up, or obtain certifications and necessary licenses, a hiring manager will take notice of your “go-get-’em” attitude. Read 80 Jobs That Pay Over $50K and Don’t Require a Degree.
Network
Now, you’re obviously going to have the opportunity to network if you take an internship, but what happens if you’re looking to get your foot in the door somewhere? This is where you need to take some time to research your industry.
Attending conferences and lectures relevant to your field will allow you to meet people who may be able to guide you further. Meeting with a career counselor at your local community college may help connect you with business owners in your city looking for interns. Finally, don’t overlook your local chamber of commerce or entrepreneur organizations. Anytime you have the opportunity to find a local mentor, you should leap at the chance to network and connect with people in your intended industry.
Pursuing your dream job takes effort, engagement, and empathy. But, with time, you can build a resume of experience and soft skills that will attract the right hiring manager.